Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen, usually because the arteries are narrowed.
Angina is a common condition that affects the heart, but many people are unsure what it actually means. Some think it is the same as a heart attack, while others confuse it with general chest pain. Understanding angina is important because it can be a warning sign of underlying heart disease. Knowing what it is, why it happens, and what to do about it can help people recognise symptoms early and get the right treatment.
It is not a disease on its own but a symptom of coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart condition in the UK. When the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, less blood reaches the heart muscle. This causes pain or discomfort, often triggered by physical activity or emotional stress, when the heart has to work harder.
Angina does not always feel the same for everyone. Some people describe it as a heaviness or pressure, while others say it feels like squeezing, burning, or tightness in the chest.
The classic symptom of angina is chest discomfort, but the way it feels can vary. Many people feel pressure or a heavy weight in the middle of the chest. The pain can also spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Some people may feel short of breath, sick, sweaty, or unusually tired at the same time.
For some, angina symptoms are mild and last only a few minutes. For others, the pain is stronger and more frequent. Women and people with diabetes sometimes experience angina in less typical ways, such as stomach pain, indigestion-like discomfort, or tiredness rather than clear chest pain.
Yes, doctors describe angina in several forms. The most common is stable angina. This happens in a predictable pattern, usually triggered by exercise or stress, and it often improves with rest or medication.
Unstable angina is more serious. It can occur suddenly, at rest, or with very little effort, and the pain tends to last longer. This is a warning sign that a heart attack may be about to happen, and it requires urgent medical attention.
Another type, called variant angina or Prinzmetal’s angina, is less common. It is caused by temporary spasms in the coronary arteries, which reduce blood flow. This type can happen even when resting and may come and go in cycles.
The main cause is coronary heart disease. This happens when fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. The arteries become narrow and stiff, making it harder for blood to flow freely.
Certain factors increase the chances of developing angina. These include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, and lack of exercise. Age and family history also play a role. Men over 45 and women over 55 are more likely to develop it, especially if heart disease runs in the family.
Although the symptoms can feel similar, angina is not the same as a heart attack. In angina, the reduced blood flow to the heart is temporary. The discomfort usually goes away after a few minutes of rest or medicine.
A heart attack, on the other hand, happens when blood flow is completely blocked, usually by a blood clot. The pain is more severe, lasts longer, and does not go away with rest. A heart attack causes permanent damage to the heart muscle if not treated quickly.
Because the symptoms can overlap, anyone who experiences sudden or severe chest pain should call 999 immediately, as it may be a heart attack rather than angina.
Doctors use several methods to diagnose angina. A GP will usually start by asking about symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Blood pressure and cholesterol checks are often done, along with blood tests to look for signs of heart disease.
Further tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the heart’s electrical signals, an echocardiogram to see how the heart is pumping, or a stress test to check how the heart performs during exercise. In some cases, CT scans, MRI scans, or coronary angiograms are used to look directly at the heart and its arteries.
Treatment for angina aims to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Lifestyle changes are often the first step. Stopping smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress all help reduce strain on the heart.
Medicines are also commonly prescribed. Nitrates, such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray, relax and widen blood vessels, quickly easing pain. Other medicines, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, statins, and aspirin, may be given to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, or prevent clots.
For more severe angina, procedures may be needed. Angioplasty with a stent can open narrowed arteries, while bypass surgery creates new routes for blood to flow around blockages.
There is no permanent cure for angina, because it is a sign of underlying heart disease. However, with treatment and lifestyle changes, symptoms can be managed very effectively. Many people live long, active lives with angina once it is under control.
Angina itself does not usually cause permanent damage, but it is a warning sign of serious heart disease. It means that the heart is struggling to get enough blood, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Unstable angina is particularly dangerous and should always be treated as a medical emergency.
Angina is more common in people with certain risk factors. These include:
Age over 45 for men and 55 for women
Smoking
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
Diabetes
Being overweight
Family history of heart disease
Lack of regular exercise
People with more than one of these risk factors are at especially high risk and may need regular heart checks.
Yes, women sometimes experience angina differently from men. Instead of the classic crushing chest pain, women may have symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, back pain, or jaw pain. Because these are less typical, women’s angina can sometimes be missed or mistaken for other conditions.
If you experience chest pain that comes on with activity and eases with rest, you should make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. They can arrange tests and treatment to reduce your risk.
If you develop sudden chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, or pain at rest, you should call 999 immediately, as this could be unstable angina or a heart attack.
Prevention focuses on reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. This means making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating more fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains, being physically active, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol. Regular health checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes are also important.
For those already diagnosed with angina, following treatment plans carefully and taking prescribed medicines lowers the risk of complications.
Living with angina can mean making changes, but many people continue to live full and active lives. Learning to recognise triggers, carrying GTN spray, and balancing activity with rest can make day-to-day management easier. Support groups, cardiac rehabilitation, and advice from healthcare teams can also help.
While it may feel worrying, angina is manageable with the right care. Many people find that once they understand the condition and take steps to protect their heart, they feel more confident and able to enjoy life.
Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, usually linked to coronary heart disease. It is a warning sign that the heart is under strain. Stable angina comes on with activity and improves with rest, while unstable angina is more serious and needs urgent care.
Although angina cannot be cured, lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes surgery can manage symptoms and lower the risk of complications. Recognising angina early and taking action is one of the best ways to protect your heart and your long-term health.
Disclaimer: Seonat provides general health information for educational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition or before making health decisions.
Simplifying health information for those who need it most
Please note: we are not medical professionals, and the content on this website is for general information only. Always speak to a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice.